Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

To reach the parking area, turn up Bridge Street from Keith and follow the minor road until a parking area off on the left side where the road bends right near the end; there is an information board here with a map of several waymarked walks. Begin by heading along the track through the gate (to the left from the info boards). Keep left when a wide junction is reached.

Stage 2

A short distance further on, when the track bends left, take the path which veers slightly right, waymarked in both green and black through the trees. At a path junction, ignore the blue route (which is a shortcut to the summit) and instead continue ahead, following the black and green arrows. Eventually the path becomes a track and a felled area gives more open views, with Knock Hill prominent to the northeast.

Stage 3

Continue until the track joins another coming up from the left; at this point leave both tracks, instead turning right (red waymarker) on a grassy path climbing more directly up the hill. Path way up take a right turn (red waymarker) onto a more recently constructed section of footpath. There are superb views looking back into Aberdeenshire.

Stage 4

The path continues up onto the open heathery dome at the top of the hill to reach the summit, marked by a trig point. The views are extensive, with nearby Keith being well-seen.

Stage 5

Ignore the paths leading both left and right from the summit, instead taking the path almost straight ahead, in the direction of distant Ben Rinnes. The path passes a tumbledown cairn and then gently descends; the going can be a little muddy in places.

Stage 6

When the path reaches the forestry the going underfoot becomes solid once more. The path snakes downhill through the trees, with one open section on the descent. When a track is reached, turn left and then immediately right to continue on the path. Shortly afterwards the route emerges at the car park at the start.